Initial Posting Date:
03/06/2024
Application Deadline:
/
Agency:
Office of Public Defense Services
Salary Range:
$5,396 - $7,969
Position Type:
Employee
Position Title:
Investigator (Program Analyst 2)
Job Description:
Who we are:
The Oregon Public Defense Commission (OPDC) is a 13-member commission appointed by the Chief Justice of the Oregon Supreme Court based on input from all three branches of Government. The Commission serves as the governing body for Oregon’s public defense system. The Commission provides policy direction and oversight for the administration of the system. The legal services provided by OPDC represent an essential component of Oregon’s public safety system.
The mission of OPDC is to ensure constitutionally competent and effective legal representation for persons eligible for a public defender.
The office includes the Executive Division, the Appellate Division, the Trial Division, the Trial Development & Resources Division, and the Administrative Services Division. The agency negotiates contracts with trial level public defense providers and administers and distributes funds for representation and related services for cases during the biennium for criminal, juvenile, and civil commitment cases. The agency provides compliance and oversight to the trial community providers through quality assurance practices, training, and education. Financial Services processes all expenses related to representation in public defense cases. The Appellate Division provides direct legal representation in the state appellate courts in criminal cases, juvenile dependency and termination of parental rights cases, and parole cases. Other services in the agency include, Data Collection and Analysis, General Counsel, Human Resources, Information Technology Services, Internal Audit, and Policy Development.
In June 2023, the Oregon Legislature approved funding for the implementation of a pilot project to establish full-time attorney positions for a pilot program to hire state employees to serve as trial-level appointed counsel and supporting staff, including paralegals, secretaries, and investigators. The pilots will focus in two geographic regions of the state to respond to the unrepresented defendant/persons crisis.
OPDC is looking to hire two (2) Investigator positions. Location of positions will be in Salem, OR.
Primary Purpose of this Position:
This position takes direction from an attorney to follow the legal theory of the case and to support or refute that theory through careful and thorough assembling of pertinent and relevant evidentiary facts within their ability to locate, identity, corroborate, and report. This position does not dispense legal advice.
Duties:
- Locate and interview witnesses, victims, and clients in a timely manner.
- Knowledgeable of all available resources and tools for identifying and locating individuals.
- Possess excellent interviewing and writing skills to accurately record witness statements, and as directed by the attorney, prepare reports depicting all aspects of the progression of an investigation.
- Assist in the preparation of subpoenas and deliver subpoenas and summons to witnesses in a timely manner.
- Coordinate with witnesses regarding court appearances in a timely manner and assist with coordination of expert witness involvement in case investigation (i.e., physical evidence and crime scene examinations).
- Develop leads and sources of information, primarily withing the Tri-County area. Obtain, analyze, and disseminate pertinent records, including court, law enforcement, military, criminal and psychological reports, and documents.
- As directed by the attorney, conducts surveillance of both stationary and mobile subjects in a covert manner.
- Perform assigned investigation and update case management software in a timely manner.
- Participate actively and appropriately in the zealous representation of clients and in client advocacy.
- Maintain daily contact with attorneys regarding case activity.
- Maintain availability to other staff members for consultation and on-going education, and participation in training programs.
- Participate in team meetings for case review and discussion of office related issues.
- Testify in court accurately and honestly and without impeachment.
Compensation Range:
$5396 - $7969
Minimum Qualifications:
A bachelor's degree in business or public administration, Behavioral or Social Sciences,
OR;
A degree related to the agency program that demonstrates the capacity for the knowledge and skills; and two years’ experience coordinating or administering a program.
OR;
Any combination of experience or education equivalent to five years of experience that typically supports the knowledge and skill requirements listed for the classification.
Applicants must submit:
- Resume
- Cover Letter
- Three references (with email addresses).
**APPLICATIONS THAT DO NOT PROVIDE THE ABOVE DOCUMENTS WILL NOT MOVE FORWARD IN THE RECRUITMENT**
Veterans Preference:
Eligible veterans who meet the qualifications will be given veterans' preference. If you checked that you are a veteran, be sure to submit your documentation prior to the close date of this posting. For more information, please go to the State website:
https://www.oregon.gov/jobs/Pages/Veterans.aspx
The Office of Public Defense Services is an equal opportunity/ affirmative action employer and is strongly committed to enhancing the diversity of its workforce. Assistance will be provided in the recruitment, application, and selection process to applicants with disabilities who request such assistance. Please call (503) 991-2274 as early as possible regarding any assistance you may require.
*This is an open continuous recruitment*